Some More Info

Now that I have my invitation I'm going to cover some of the basic questions/information that everyone seems to want to know.

Applicant Timeline (aka--how much waiting around I had to do)

I didn't keep super track, but here's the closest I have:

June 2009--submitted application
~this time spent filling out the additional paperwork sent to me (including fingerprints!). And the packet had to be sent to me multiple times because they were confused about my address
August 26, 2009-- Interview and Nomination (happened simultaneously)
~this time spent on 3 separate trips to the Dr getting all the required paperwork filled out, and getting a stupid $400 mouth guard for night teeth grinding and sending a confirmation letter 3TIMES!!
February 2010--Officially Legally, Medically and Dentally cleared and ready for placement
~this time spent waiting...and waiting....and waiting
June 23, 2010--Request for an updated resume from the education office
~now more waiting
July 27, 2010--Received and email with 2 follow up questions.
July 31, 2010--Invitation sent
August 4, 2010--Invitation to serve in Mozambique as a Biology Teacher received!! (which happens to be what my original nomination was for)

Now, a little bit about Mozambique and the program:

Mozambique is located on the east coast of southern Africa, right across the ocean from Madagascar as I like to say (that one's for you Peter). It's roughly as long as the entire east coast of the United States and home to about 22 million people, with over half of them living below poverty levels.

The official language of the country, plus what I will be teaching in, is Portuguese. However, mostly local languages are spoken throughout the country. Popular question: Do I speak Portuguese? Answer: Not yet. I am fluent in Spanish and am encouraged that I can read a lot of Portuguese based on my Spanish knowledge.

I'll be departing September 29th (give or take 2 or so days) for Philadelphia where I will be meeting the 60 or so other crazies that will with me for this experience. We will head over the Mozambique together, as the 15th group of volunteers to arrive in the country. We will have biology, chemistry, math and english (?) teachers and teacher trainers as well as health volunteers that will work in communities promoting sanitation and HIV/AIDS awareness.

Speaking of HIV/AIDS I've read that Mozambique has a huge percentage of people (about 20-25% from all the different stats I've read) that are affected.

I've started compiling my packing list/wish list to buy before departure. I'll be working until I leave plus selling my car plus packing up everything plus spending tons of quality time with everyone so I'm expecting that I'll be on a flight heading east thinking "What am I doing?" sooner that I can realize after living in life limbo for over a year. I'll post my mailing address as soon as I get it and I'll be expecting lots of letters :)

Hopefully this answers some questions for people. Until next time Adeus!